Dr. John N. Odai (DMD, MSD, FRCD(C), FICD)

Partner and Specialist in Endodontics and Microsurgery

• Fellow of The Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCD(C))
• Fellow, International College of Dentists

• Master of Science in Dentistry, Speciality Endodontics (Chief Resident, 2005-2006)
• Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) (1995)

• Committee Member, Ottawa Dental Society (President 2011-2012)
• Council Member, Ontario Dental Association
• Board of Directors (Endodontics), Royal College of Dentists of Canada

• Staff Member, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)

Dr. John N. Odai completed his pre-dentistry education at the University of Alberta. He went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Manitoba in 1995. Following graduation, he was accepted into a one-year General Practice Residency program at the Denver General Hospital, now known as the Denver Health Medical Center. After completing his residency program, Dr. Odai moved to Ottawa in 1996, where he was in general practice until 2004.

In 2006, he completed the Master’s Specialty program in Endodontics at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was Chief Resident in his final year. Dr. Odai then returned to Ottawa where he and his long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Thompson, opened Capital Endodontics in 2006.

A recognized member of the dental community, Dr. Odai is actively involved in organized dentistry on the local, provincial and national stage. He has served on several committees of the Ottawa Dental Society including as its president from 2011 to 2012. He represents Ottawa as a general council member of the Ontario Dental Association, and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada, representing his specialty of Endodontics.

In 2018, Dr. Odai was recognized for his exemplary work and dedication to the dental profession by being inducted as a Fellow of the International College of Dentists, a distinction held by 4% of Canadian dentists.

A proud father of two boys, John is an avid sportsman who enjoys a spirited soccer game, as well as a good round of golf.

Dr. Mike Thompson (DDS, MSc., FRCD(C))

Partner and Specialist in Endodontics and Microsurgery

• Fellow of The Royal College of Dentists of Canada (FRCD(C))

• Master of Science in Dentistry, Speciality Endodontics (2006)
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) (1994)

• Staff Member, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO)

Dr. Mike Thompson completed his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at McGill University in 1994, followed by a one-year General Practice Residency program at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal. He moved to Ottawa in 1995 and set up his private practice in Orleans in 1997. In 2003 he was accepted into the Post Graduate Endodontic specialty program at the University of Toronto.

After completing his specialty training in 2006, Dr. Thompson returned to Ottawa, where he joined his long-time friend and colleague, Dr. Odai, in opening Capital Endodontics.

Mike is a scuba diver and loves travelling to exotic locations in the world where there is great diving. He also loves to travel to discover new places, people and cultures. However, recently any spare time he has is spent playing undercover police and catching speeders with his awesome little man, who would like to grow up to be an undercover dentist!

To: Referring Dental Offices,

We are sad to announce that due to family obligations, Dr. Veslin Trifononv will be leaving Capital Endodontics, effective August 10, 2023. Dr. Trifonov has been a valued member of our team over the past year and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.
 

With Dr. Trifonov’s departure, it is our pleasure to welcome Dr. Lushen Naidoo to our practice, effective August 14, 2023.
 

With his professionalism and attention to patient care, Dr. Naidoo promises to be a great addition to the Capital Endodontics family, and an asset to the community at large. We look forward to continuing to work with your offices during this transition.

Dr. Lushen Naidoo (BDS, Cert. Endo, FRCD(C), FICD)

Associate Endodontist

Lushen has 20 years of experience in both clinical and academic dentistry. He received his specialist Certificate in Endodontics from the University of Southern California in 2021. In addition, he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Dentists of Canada and is a board eligible endodontist with the American Board of Endodontics.
 

Prior to pursuing his interest in endodontics, Lushen worked in private practice and was also an instructor at the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. From this university he completed his dental degree in 2002, followed by his specialist prosthodontic degree in 2010. During his career he was also the Head of Clinical Unit within the Department of Oral Rehabilitation, School of Oral Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand where he was instrumental in the training of dental students in both endodontics and prosthodontics. Lushen’s academic achievements have been numerous and include being the recipient of the Young Prosthodontist Award by the International College of Prosthodontists in 2009 and being inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society. He has also presented at international conferences. In 2016, Lushen was invited as a fellow into the International College of Dentists for recognition of his overall contributions to dentistry.
 

When away from the office, Lushen enjoys playing both table tennis and tennis, and remains an avid traveller. Lushen is excited to make Ottawa his home.

Dr. Ben Sohmer

Anesthesiologist

Dr. Ben Sohmer is an Anesthesiologist in the Division of Cardiac Anesthesiology at the University of Ottawa Heart Institute. He also works as an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine. Dr. Sohmer completed a BSc in Anatomy and Cell Biology at McGill University in Montreal in 1996. In 2000, he earned his MD from Dalhousie University in Halifax. In 2005, he went on to gain certification as a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (FRCPC) in Anesthesiology at the University of Ottawa. He completed a Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio. in 2006 and then went on to earn a Masters of Education at the University of Cincinnati in 2013. He is actively involved in medical curriculum development and lectures nationally and internationally on intra-operative echocardiogrpahic imaging.

Ben is married to Ali and they have two sons Jonah and Micah. Dr. Sohmer is fluent in English and French. We welcome you to read more about Dr. Sohmer on the Ottawa Heart Institute website.

Ann Burke

Office Manager

Ann has extensive experience as an operations manager in the dental field. She began her professional career over 25 years ago as a dental assistant and receptionist and after successive promotions at other Ottawa area dental practices, she was managing over a dozen dental practices from Toronto to Halifax.

In 2020 Ann joined Capital Endodontics as the office manager.

Paula O’Brien

Administrative/Dental Assistant

Paula completed the dental assisting program at Algonquin College in 2001. She joined Capital Endodontics when our doors opened in 2006. Paula’s goal when greeting patients is to ensure they are well informed of what to expect from their visit at Capital Endodontics and help them feel comfortable and at ease.

One of the most rewarding parts of her job is the happiness and appreciation our patients have for what we do and hearing that they have had a wonderful experience.

Susan Bittner

Administrative Assistant

Susan has enjoyed working at Capital Endodontics since 2013 in the capacity of administrative assistant. She is a “people person” who cares deeply about providing the best possible service to patients of all ages. Her friendly, smiling face will make you feel welcome and relaxed as you step into our reception area.

Susan is also a busy wife and grandmother of 3 young grandchildren.

Melissa Sibio

Administrative Assistant

Melissa is the newest member of the team, joining us in November 2021. Melissa brings many years of experience working as a dental administrator in general practice and endodontics. She began working in the dental field at 18 years old and continued to do so as she completed her Bachelor of Commerce degree in 2010.

In 2015 Melissa moved from Burlington, ON to Ottawa. It took a while, but she now considers Ottawa home.

Jessica Sauve

Clinical Assistant

Jessica graduated from the dental assisting program at Career Canada in 2001 and joined our team in August 2007.

Gorica Bogunovic

Clinical Assistant

Gorica has been a proud member of Capital Endo since 2008, and has many years of experience in the dental field. She is so grateful to work in such a fun and caring environment, alongside the team of energetic and experienced people whose goal is to communicate well with our patients and to provide the best care possible. Her gentle touch and friendly chairside manner helps each patient feel more comfortable and relaxed during their visit.

Sabrina Heatherington

Clinical Assistant

Sabrina graduated from Career Canada College in 2002. After starting her dental assisting career in general practice, she joined our team in 2011.

Nicole Green

Clinical Assistant

Nicole graduated from the Dental Assisting (Levels I & II) Program at Algonquin College in 2008. Upon entering the dental field, she has enjoyed the many aspects the profession has to offer, including patient care and interaction, working in a team environment, as well as the ability to learn and grow in the advancing field.

Nicole has been a member of Capital Endodontics since 2015. She prides herself on helping ensure that the patient experience is comfortable, with a balance of professional and casual conversation.

Hoda Tarakhel

Dental Assistant

Bio to come